June 2001's Best New CDs

Welcome to the June reviews. Here’s how we select which CDs are featured. Out of the large number of CDs released each month, we listen to dozens and dozens of them and select what we believe are the best, and feature them here. The great thing about pop music is that it’s such a wide and inclusive genre, which is represented in the reviews. Popular music includes pop, rock, dance, country, alternative, metal, punk and more. You’ll read reviews about superstars on major labels, but you’ll also hear about brand new artists, or artists on small independent labels that are very talented and deserve to be heard. We’re always interested in your feedback, so if you have a comment or question on the reviews, Send an email ! Let’s get to this month’s best new CDs, in alphabetical order:

Blink 182 – Take Off Your Pants and Jacket

If you’re looking for deep, meaningful lyrics, sophisticated imagery and complex music, stay away from Blink 182. If you like toilet humor, punk rock, and melodies that just won’t quit, you will love Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Blink 182’s music is the pinnacle of pop/punk. It’s three chords, tight, fast and melodic. Along with the usual teen angst, the band has even expanded their lyrical repertoire to include a couple of message songs. Take Off Your Pants and Jacket won’t change the world, but it sure it sure makes the world a more entertaining place in which to live.

Web Link: http://www.blink182.com/

City High – City High

The young New Jersey trio City High are protégés of Wyclef Jean of the Fugees, and also have a female and two males in the group. There are similarities, but City High stands on their own merits. Their brand of R&B and soul mixed with a little bit of hip-hop sounds like a recipe for chart success. 18 year old Claudette Ortiz, 20 year old Ryan Toby and 20 year old Robby Pardlo sing with a wisdom and polish beyond their years, and the songs have surprising lyrical depth. Wyclef’s production on City High is first-rate as usual, and he appears as a guest vocalist on the CD as well. City High is a group of the verge of something big.

Web Link: http://www.cityhigh.com/

The Cult – Beyond Good and Evil

One of the best rock bands of the late 80’s has returned in the 21st Century with an excellent comeback CD. After experimenting with grunge and electronica on their last release back in 1994, The Cult has returned to their guitar rock roots. Lead singer Ian Astbury is one of the most charismatic frontmen in music, and you can feel that charisma in his vocals on Beyond Good and Evil. The music is back to basics, with excellent guitar riffs, Asbury’s powerful vocals, and just a touch of goth. The Cult is bound to win some new converts to their cause with their rock resurrection.

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